How to Winterize and Drain a Berkeley Well Pump

What Does a Pump Capacitor Do?

Understanding what a pump capacitor does is the first step to being able to monitor its operations and address its shortcomings when it begins to fail and needs to be replaced. This quick guide give you the basic information you need to know on pump capacitors.

Pump Capacitors Explained

Pump capacitors provide a critical function for many types of motors, most notably those found in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and swimming pools. The capacitor works by giving the motor an extra push when it starts and throughout its operation to enhance efficiency and provide energy to the motor's electrical circuits. When it's working properly, it gives the motor the right balance between current and voltage to generate the motor's required rotational electrical field.

Types of Pump Capacitors

Now that you know a little more about what pump capacitors do, let's take a closer look on the types of capacitors you'll come across. No matter the type of motor, you'll find one or both of the following: a start capacitor and/or a run capacitor. The start capacitor adds a little more torque when the motor starts up, and then it switches off once the motor reaches a certain speed. If the motor's speed drops below that benchmark, the start capacitor will kick back into gear to bring the motor up to speed. The run capacitor remains in operation for as long as the motor is running. It increases the motor's operational efficiency and provide a constant supply of voltage.

Testing Pump Capacitors

If you want to test either type of capacitor, you need a multimeter. Then, follow these instructions to determine how close to the capacitor's rating it's operating at:

1. Set your digital meter to a capacitance setting or set your analog meter to measure resistance.
2. Turn the power off and discharge the unit by laying a screwdriver across the two terminals to prevent shocking yourself.
3. Disconnect the capacitor's wires and place the leads to your multimeter on the terminals.
4. Check the reading. If it's within 6 percent of the capacitor's rating, you're good to go, as noted by Heartland Media's HVAC for Beginner's. If you get a reading that's lower than the capacitor specifications by more than 6 percent, consider capacitor replacement.

Signs a Pump Capacitor Might Be Going Bad

When a pump capacitor begins failing, you'll often notice a humming noise and the motor might not run. Additionally, one of the earliest signs is visible leaking of an oily substance. You might notice the unit looks like it's bulging or you may start seeing readings that are substantially lower than the pump capacitor's rating. If you see a hole in the capacitor's vent, you know it's failed.

Capacitor Replacement Tips

Because capacitors are vulnerable to power fluctuations, experts caution against using capacitors with lower ratings than what you already have. Ideally, use the same size or one that's rated a step higher. Look for the capacitor specifications on the motor's nameplate. As Industrial Equipment News notes, using a pump capacitor that isn't sized correctly can lead to effects like:

• Decreased motor speeds
• Increases in noise
• Temperature increase that can damage insulation, bearings and lead to loss of lubrication
• Diminished motor efficiency, increasing the amount of energy needed to run it
• Reduced lifespan of the motor and more frequent need for repairs

More From QuestionsAnswered.net

How to Winterize and Drain a Berkeley Well Pump

Source: https://www.questionsanswered.net/article/what-does-pump-capacitor-do?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740012%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

Share this post